Homers -- What's going right

MUSEUM HONORED: The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids has been awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service - the nation's higher honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to community. Our local winner was recognized for “an essential role in rebuilding a Cedar Rapids neighborhood and inspiring faith in the future following the horrific 2008 flood,” said Susan Hildreth, director, Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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BIG ON HELPING: Kudos to the Cedar Rapids-East Central Iowa chapter of Big Brothers Big Sister for agreeing to accept youths referred by juvenile courts. It's part of the national organization's effort to see if volunteers, who traditionally have mentored at-risk children, can help young offenders stay away from crime in the future. The local chapter is the first in Iowa to accept the challenge.

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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES: We applaud Cedar Rapids schools for expanding the district's program in which eighth-graders can take high school-level courses in math, science and world languages. It provides opportunities for all students wanting to advance at a faster pace.

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